All Roll Calls
Yes: 245 • No: 8
South CarolinaH 3292126th General Assembly (2025-2026)HouseWALLET
AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 56-2-90 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR THE REGISTRATION AND OPERATION OF GOLF CARTS ALONG THE STATE'S PUBLIC HIGHWAYS, TO PROVIDE MUNICIPALITIES AND COUNTIES MAY ADOPT ORDINANCES TO REGULATE THE OPERATION OF GOLF CARTS WITHIN THEIR JURISDICTIONS, AND TO PROVIDE CERTAIN PASSENGERS MUST WEAR SAFETY BELTS; AND TO REPEAL SECTION 56-2-105 RELATING TO THE REGISTRATION AND OPERATION OF GOLF CARTS.
Sponsored By: William M. "Bill" Hixon (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Summary
Golf carts
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Seat belts for kids on golf carts
Any passenger under age 12 must wear a fastened safety belt when a golf cart is driven on public streets and highways. This safety rule is in effect in South Carolina beginning May 22, 2025.
Statewide permits and limits for golf carts
If you drive a golf cart on a public highway, you must get a DMV permit decal and a registration. You must show proof of ownership and liability insurance and pay a $5 fee. Replace the decal every five years or when you change address. Drivers must be at least 16, have a valid license, and carry their license, the registration, and insurance. Without a local ordinance, carts may run only in daylight, on roads with 35 mph limits or less, within 4 miles of the registered address (or a gated community gate), and may cross faster roads only at intersections. This law replaces the prior golf cart statute and takes effect May 22, 2025.
Local options for golf cart rules
Cities and counties may set hours, methods, and locations for golf cart use. They may allow night driving only on roads with 35 mph limits or less, and only if carts have working headlights and taillights. They may create separate golf cart paths if approvals are obtained and the path is separated by a curb, parking spaces, or at least four feet. They may not require you to own property or have a long-term rental to get a decal. This local authority applies statewide beginning May 22, 2025.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
William M. "Bill" Hixon
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Lucas Atkinson
Republican • House
Brandon L. Cox
Republican • House
Shannon S. Erickson
Republican • House
Cally R. "Cal" Forrest, Jr.
Republican • House
Charles V. Hartz
Republican • House
Jordan S. Pace
Republican • House
Fawn M. Pedalino
Republican • House
Bill Taylor
Republican • House
Wm. Weston J. Newton
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 5/8/2025
(Golf carts)Concur in Senate Amendments
Yes: 105 • No: 6
Senate vote • 5/7/2025
(Golf carts)3rd Reading
Yes: 42 • No: 1
House vote • 2/13/2025
(Golf carts)Passage of Bill
Yes: 98 • No: 1
Actions Timeline
Act No. 64
5/27/2025legislatureEffective date 05/22/25
5/27/2025legislatureSigned By Governor
5/22/2025GovernorRatified R 92
5/20/2025legislatureRoll call Yeas-105 Nays-6
5/8/2025HouseConcurred in Senate amendment and enrolled
5/8/2025HouseRoll call Ayes-42 Nays-1
5/7/2025SenateRead third time and returned to House with amendments
5/7/2025SenateAmended
5/7/2025SenateRoll call Ayes-44 Nays-0
5/6/2025SenateRead second time
5/6/2025SenateCommittee Amendment Adopted
5/6/2025SenateCommittee report: Favorable with amendment Transportation
5/1/2025SenateReferred to Committee on Transportation
2/18/2025SenateIntroduced and read first time
2/18/2025SenateUnanimous consent for third reading on next legislative day
2/13/2025HouseRoll call Yeas-98 Nays-1
2/13/2025HouseRead second time
2/13/2025HouseMember(s) request name added as sponsor: Pace
2/13/2025HouseDebate adjourned until Thur., 2-13-25
2/12/2025HouseScrivener's error corrected
2/11/2025legislatureMember(s) request name added as sponsor: Taylor, Hartz, Atkinson
2/11/2025HouseCommittee report: Favorable Education and Public Works
2/6/2025HouseMember(s) request name removed as sponsor: Bradley
2/5/2025HouseMember(s) request name added as sponsor: Erickson, Bradley
2/4/2025House
Bill Text
Introduced
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